This story is from January 24, 2016

Patidars change tactics, to take dalits into confidence

n a significant development, the Patidars seeking reservation under OBC category have changed their strategy and now plan to take along members of other communities including dalits during their 21-day rathyatra that is scheduled to begin on January 26 from Sidsar in Jamjodhpur taluka of Jamnagar.
Patidars change tactics, to take dalits into confidence
Rajkot: In a significant development, the Patidars seeking reservation under OBC category have changed their strategy and now plan to take along members of other communities including dalits during their 21-day rathyatra that is scheduled to begin on January 26 from Sidsar in Jamjodhpur taluka of Jamnagar.
The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) members are gearing up for the massive event which is also being seen as a move to unite the Kadva and Levua Patidars across the Saurashtra region.

"The rathyatra will be welcomed by women of other communities including dalits in each village of the 11 districts through which it will pass. This yatra is basically to promote 'Samarsata' (equality). We are not against any community and/or their rights," Lalit Vasoya, convener of PAAS, Saurashtra region, told TOI.
Since the beginning of the Patidar movement, dalits and OBC (other backward class) leaders have termed it as 'anti-reservation' agitation and claimed that it was an attempt to marginalize scheduled castes and other backward communities.
The change in tactics of the Patidars by taking along dalits and other communities for their demand of quota becomes significant.
On the other hand, preparation was in full swing for the Ekta Rathyatra which will start from Sidsar - the most revered pilgrim for Kadva Patels - in Jamjodhpur taluka of Jamnagar and conclude at Kagvad (Leuva Patel's pilgrimage place) near Virpur of Rajkot district. The yatra will pass through 11 district of the Saurashtra.

However, the Jamnagar administration has imposed Section 144 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the district ahead of PAAS' yatra. It has also not given nod for the yatra. With no decision by the Jamnagar district administration the PAAS leaders had approached Gujarat high court seeking permission for the rathyatra. The court has issued notices to the Jamnagar administration and will hear the matter on January 25.
When asked if they plan to go ahead with their rathyatra even if they do not receive permission, Vasoya said, "We are hopeful that the court's order will be in our favour. However, preparations are in full swing across Saurashtra," he added.
PAAS leaders have alleged that the government was denying them permission for rallies to garner support for their quota demand. Government, on the other hand, fears that community mobilization could further damage its political strength at the grass roots level.
BJP government had faced defeat in the recently held panchayat polls in Saurashtra where it won two out of 11 district panchayats.
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